Patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes may take pioglitazone along with other medications in order to keep blood sugar levels under control. This medication helps increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin so that it regulates blood sugar levels better.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as needed. Patients who have ever had congestive heart failure, especially those whose ability to move is limited because of it, should not take this medication. Patients who have heart defects or other heart disease may also need to avoid this medication. The symptoms of this disease include:

• Large, unexplained weight gain.
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling, numbness or tingling in arms, legs, hands or feet
• Difficulty breathing when lying down or when asleep
• Difficulty walking
• Irregular heartbeat